Pakistan may invoke the “force majeure” clause to avoid potential sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) if it boycotts its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, according to a report. The high-profile fixture is scheduled for February 15 in Sri Lanka, and a boycott could result in Pakistan forfeiting points and facing financial penalties under ICC regulations.

Reports suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering citing extraordinary circumstances to justify its stance, arguing that government instructions compelled the decision. The “force majeure” clause typically applies to unforeseeable events that prevent contractual obligations from being fulfilled, and Pakistan is expected to argue that the situation qualifies under this provision.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed the argument as weak, stating that it is unlikely to withstand scrutiny by the ICC. According to sources, India would be awarded two points if Pakistan does not play the match, while the PCB could still face sanctions despite invoking the clause.

Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Can Turn Match Alone: USA Star's Big Praise

A BCCI source noted that Pakistan had no issues playing India in the Under-19 World Cup on the same day its government reportedly issued a call to boycott the senior T20 World Cup match. The source added that the close relationship between the Pakistan government and the PCB undermines the claim that the board is acting independently under compulsion.

The source further accused Pakistan, along with Bangladesh in a separate context, of mixing politics with cricket. It was pointed out that there has long been an understanding that India and Pakistan play ICC event matches at neutral venues, making a boycott unnecessary and disruptive to the tournament.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the country’s decision to boycott the match, stating that Pakistan has taken a “clear stand” on not playing India in the T20 World Cup. His comments were made while addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, reinforcing the uncertainty surrounding one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.

Also Read: Yuzvendra Chahal Picks Samson, Tilak in India XI for T20 World Cup Opener